Hydro

24-Hour Water Release Info

Check the flow before you go

Flow line: 1-800-547-1501

As of January 1, 2008, PacifiCorp owns 47 hydropower facilities, located in Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Utah and Montana. With a total generating capacity of approximately 1,074 megawatts (MW) of electricity, they are used to power households and businesses across the West.

Flexible, Renewable Hydropower

Water allows for a flexible means of generation. Generating plants powered by coal or natural gas cannot accommodate rapid changes in demand as swiftly as hydropower. Hydropower also is a resource that works in concert with other renewable resources, such as wind power.

For example, on a typical mid-summer day, the highest (peak) demand lasts from midday through the afternoon because of an increase in air conditioning use in some states. During this peak, more water is released from the reservoirs through the powerhouses, and more electricity is generated. During lower-peak periods, the operation shifts. Water is allowed to build up in the storage reservoir for use during the next day’s peak usage period. View fact sheets on Northwest (PDF) and Rocky Mountain (PDF) hydroelectric facilities.

Hydroelectric projects generally operate under licenses issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). A hydroelectric license includes terms and conditions for project operations, as well as environmental protection, mitigation and enhancement measures to mitigate project impacts on the surrounding environment and natural resources. More »